Gasoline Prices Continue To Slide

Gas prices have dropped by more than $1 per gallon in the last month, but motorists are not feeling any richer just yet.

They will wait until their other expenses taper off before admitting optimism - or at least until after the election.

"It's an ease, but it's still tough," said Sherisma McNair, who topped off her Ford Contour Sunday afternoon at the Hess station at 18635 Cortez Blvd. "All of my other bills are still high - utilities, daycare, groceries ... It helps, but it's still hard right now."

McNair was pumping gas at one of the cheapest locations in Hernando County. Regular unleaded was being sold at $2.46 per gallon.

Last week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced a 1.5 million barrel per day reduction in crude oil production, which is scheduled to begin in November.

Nonetheless, gas prices continued their sharp decline, dropping by more than 27 cents per gallon compared to a week ago, according to AAA Auto Club South.

The trend could continue through the remainder of the year, due to lower worldwide demand.

The national average for a gallon of regular gas is at $2.699. Florida's average is slightly higher at $2.712.

Rob Kellesi was filling a gallon container at the 7-Eleven, located at the corner of Cortez Boulevard and Wiscon Road.

Without provocation, he assigned blame for the skyrocketing gas prices of the past.

"It sure is a lot better than it used to be," he said. "I can't wait until (Barack) Obama gets in there. The Republicans have been in there for too long."